Leah Mitchell isn't the same shy, poor girl anymore. Now a college student, she is enjoying her life in the city and the freedom she longed for. She works hard and knows her worth. She has it all, but her heart aches for the only person from her pas...
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Dad and I sit in a cozy restaurant near his office. The decoration is minimalistic and tasteful—framed cityscapes adorn the dark walls, and each table has a small flower arrangement on it.
"I'm going to use the bathroom," I say.
Dad smiles, watching me as I get up from my chair and walk to the restrooms in the back of the restaurant.
When I am in the bathroom, I do the same thing I've done at least ten times today—I pull the phone out of my pocket and check if there are new texts or emails. There are none.
I wash my hands and rehearse a smile in front of the mirror. It's still glued to my face when I make it back to our table. Dad waits until I lower into the plush chair. As soon as I do, the people in the restaurant grow quiet. A waitress carries a piece of cake with a lit candle into the hall. Everyone sings Happy Birthday, and I cover my mouth with my palms as the girl puts the plate with the dessert on the white tablecloth in front of me.
"Make a wish," Dad says, giving me an encouraging nod.
"Okay," I whisper, closing my eyes as I try to think of something pleasant—something different from the things on my mind. Someone different.
I settle on a generic wish about being healthy and doing well at school. Everyone claps as I blow out the candle. Then, the calm returns, and Dad and I enjoy the dessert, speaking very little while we're eating.
"So, any plans later today?" Dad asks.
"My friends and I are going to celebrate at a bar on campus."
"And Mom?"
"I'll see her tomorrow. She has evening classes today."
Dad smiles. My relationship with my mom is far from easy. I am not sure I have forgiven her for lying to me all those years, but I am trying to focus on my present instead of dwelling on my past.
For the first time, Mom is trying to improve her life, too. She went back to school so she can find a better job, and although neither of them mentioned it, I know my parents talk to each other.
We finish my birthday lunch and say our goodbyes. Dad hugs me and kisses my cheek. He stays on the sidewalk, watching me put on my helmet and get on my Harley with pride shining through his eyes. Both of us are genuinely happy we finally found each other.
***
The crop top I'm wearing shows my midriff, but it looks great on me, and I can't help but smile as I assess myself in the mirror.
I'm still thin, but I did gain some weight. Annie says it suits me. Now that she's studying to be a physiotherapist, she is more into sports and healthy lifestyle than before. We do yoga together, and although I was reluctant to do it at first, I started to work out at the gym.
I am applying red lipstick in front of the mirror when someone knocks on my door.
"Come in," I say.
Annie enters my bedroom and whistles when she sees me. "Look at this bombshell."
